J50tleod wont idle

[kax2000]

1st Post-1st Boat-1st Day on the water was yesterday.
1995 50hp Johnson (on a '87 Ebbtide Dyna Trak 166 STE) won't idle.
Have to use the neutral throttle lever to keep it running.
Bogs and low power 1st 1/2 of throttle up..then revs high with lots of power between 1/2 and WOT.
Starts everytime no issues.
Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Haffiman]

Re: J50tleod wont idle

First information needed is a compression test.
Next, do you have strong spark on both cylinders?

 

[kax2000]

Re: J50tleod wont idle

Compression test result = 125 for both cylinders and strong spark on both.

 

[Haffiman]

Re: J50tleod wont idle

Give the carbs a good clean. Use a spray can with carb cleaner and be sure low and intermediate channels are clean and clear. Replace at least all gaskets.

 

[kax2000]

Re: J50tleod wont idle

Checked the fuel in the tank. It looks cloudy.
Could moisture, old gas or fuel additive cause the cloudiness?
Either way i will swap for some fresh stuff before i use the carb cleaner.

 

[kax2000]

Re: J50tleod wont idle

So can moisture in the gas make the motor run poorly at an idle but at higher rpm run fine?